The Ordre du Mérite combattant (Order of Merit for Veterans) was a ministerial order of merit of France created on 14 September 1953 to reward individuals who distinguished themselves by their service and dedication in the management of the moral and material interests of veterans and war victims.

[1] The Order was deprecated by decree on 3 December 1963, and superseded by the Ordre national du Mérite.

In the center of the star is Marianne surrounded by the words RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE and MÉRITE COMBATTANT.

[3] The cross for knights is silver and 40 mm (1.6 in) in diameter and worn suspended from the chest.

For officers, the cross is the same size but is silver-gilt and the suspension ribbon bears a rosette.